A New Nature with Old Habits

Christians have a new nature in Jesus Christ, yet they still struggle with the old habits of the “old nature.” Does this mean we aren’t really Christians if we struggle? How do we overcome these old habits? Pastors Tom and Bryan provide helpful, biblical wisdom here.

Video Highlights

When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are new creations positionally, meaning that even though we don’t fully think and behave like new creations, we still hold the position of “new creation.” Much of the Christian life is about the practical outworking of this fundamental truth: that in Christ, Christians are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). While some people do, in some ways, see immediate results and life change when they are saved, they still have other aspects of their lives that must be formed, over time, into the image of Christ.

How does God the Holy Spirit lead us from the inside-out? Romans 12:1-2 teaches us, based on God’s mercy, to offer ourselves back to Jesus Christ, to use our freedom to honor and glorify God and to be the people he created us to be. As we continue to offer ourselves as “living sacrifices” to God, we are inwardly transformed.

It is not just about the “don’ts” of life – “dont” drink, “don’t” watch pornography – but but the “do’s” – “do” pray and fast, “do” study scripture, “do” mentor others. When we use the freedom we have in Christ to intentionally do the things he has created us to do (Ephesians 2:8-10), we will through this process be more and more transformed into people who by nature “don’t” want to do the things we used to struggle with.

The battle isn’t won after midnight when you’re sitting at your computer, it’s won day-in, day-out, as you choose to walk in the Spirit and align your new nature with new habits.

We must kill our old, sinful habits by walking in the Spirit, by choosing to use the freedom Christ has given us not to do what we want because now we are saved, but to let him transform us into the people he created us to be.

Discussion Questions:

What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?

When you first came to Christ, were there things that immediately or very quickly changed in you? Explain.

What things is God still working on in your life – the “don’ts” you personally struggle with? Do these struggles discourage you at times? Explain.

What “do’s” in your life are you practicing to conform yourself more and more to the likeness of Jesus? If you don’t have these “do’s,” what could they be for you?

Pastor Bryan says that the “battle” we are all fighting is not won at 1am right when our temptation is about to overtake us, but day-in, day-out. Explain practically what this day-in, day-out walk with Jesus would look like for you or for others you know.